A central aspect of faith is trust. If we don’t trust God, then we become anxious. Why? Because we suddenly think that we can handle all our problems on our own. Reality shows us that this is impossible, so we get anxious. Sometimes pride is at the center of this belief. We might be too proud to trust God, or anyone else for that matter.

God is pure goodness. We might not understand his ways, but all things are for the good of those that love God (see Romans 8:28). A simple, powerful prayer you can say at any time is, “I trust you Jesus.”

Faith Means Acceptance

The world is what it is, whether we like it or not. We often feel anxious about it, but that can’t change anything. Accepting your life situation (no, you don’t have to like it) frees you to see things more clearly. Then you can dedicate your energy to the things that you can change. No matter how hard you wish for a movie to end a certain way, the director calls the final shots. God is the director of the universe so let him call the shots in your life. Work with him.

Faith Means Fidelity

Fidelity means faithfulness. Are you faithful to God? Do you spend time seeking his presence and reading his Word? If not, then start reading your Bible and praying today. This type of faithfulness is rewarded by peace of mind and strength of spirit. You get stronger because you are fed by the healthiest spiritual food that exists.

Faith Means Vision

God’s kingdom is his government. Do you see things at a kingdom level? This means seeing and seeking God’s will in all things. There is a much bigger picture to your life than you can imagine. When you take a step back, your challenges fall into perspective. Your problems won’t disappear magically, but they will take on their appropriate size.

Also important is God’s vision of you. You are his child. And you are covered by his infinite, unshakable love. No one can take this away from you.

Faith Means Believing

Everything else up to this point can benefit you at some level regardless of your belief. But true belief in Jesus Christ supercharges it all. If you believe that Jesus is God’s Son, that he gave his life to forgive your sins, that he rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come again – then you have all you need to eventually overcome anxiety or any other life challenge.

Ephesians 6:17 says that we should put on the helmet of salvation. This means that a large part of your faith is simply what you know about Jesus, historically and spiritually. He lived as the Bible said he lived. He died on a cross. He rose on the third day to conquer sin and death forever.

Believe this. Embrace it. Cherish it. The deeper you hold onto this eternal truth the freer you will be from any worry.

Keep this in mind the next time you feel anxious: Jesus will come again in glory. Guaranteed.

Thank you for this post and for your blog. I’ve watched my daughter struggle and learn to cope with anxiety issues like those you describe and I’ve watched (an given thanks) as her faith has eased the tension and stress she still experiences periodically. Yours is an important ministry. Blessings on it and on you. Mary